ASJ Sports Talk Blog

When one thinks of standout defenses they may think the Steeler's Steel Curtain, Minnesota's Purple People Eaters, The Killer B from Miami, the Bears 85 defense, few will say the the Kansas City Chiefs from 1965-75, they may not have had a flashy name, yet that defense would place six members of the squad in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Chiefs that are currently enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame are: Buck Buchanan, Curly Culp, Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier middle linebacker, 1967-77, Johnny Robinson, Emmitt Thomas. however they had other standouts Jerry Mays,1961-1970 (All Time AFL Team), Aaron Brown, 1966-72, Marvin Upshaw 1970-75 DE's, Jim Lynch RLB 1967-77, Jim Kearney strong safety, 1965-75, Jim Marsalis cornerback 1969-75, Willie Mitchell DB 1964-70.

During the seasons of 1965-73 the Chiefs defense averaged per seasons: Allowed 20.6 points, 4.4 yards per play, 230.5 yards passing, 13 touchdowns passes, 1468 yards rushing, allowed 9.2 rushing touchdowns. Kansas City would also average 35 sack, force 43 turnovers, intercept 29 passes and recover 13 fumbles.

The 1968,69 defense lead the AFL in points allowed (170 average of 12 points per game), 177 which averaged one point higher 13 considering this was the AFL where points were scored so much the scoreboard would smoke to keep up with the scoring. During those two season the Chiefs has 40 and 47 sacks respectively.

In the 1968 Kansas City would suffer three loses the season the Jets won the second game of the season in week nine the Chiefs fell to the Oakland Raiders, they would lose to the Raiders in the the division round where both the offense and defense did not play up to the level they had all season as Oakland handed Kansas City a 41-6 thrashing.

During the 68 season the would more than double the amount of points the defense 371-170). The defense anchored by Hall of Famers Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, Johnny Robinson on the All Pro first. Jim Lynch would round out the linebacker crew with an All Pro second team as well as defensive end Jerry Mays selection.

The defense finished they finished first in the 1968 AFL season, the Chiefs defense was number on this is season in: points allowed (170), turnovers (49), interceptions (37), rushing TD's (4). Kansas City ranked in yards allowed (4089) behind the Jets and the Raiders, passing touchdowns (14) trailed the Raiders and the Oilers who allow a remarkable one and seventh in fumble recoveries (12).

1969 Chiefs (11-3) defeated the Minnesota Vikings (12-2) in Super Bowl IV 23-7. To get to the Super Bowl the road was rocky Kansas City lost to the Bengals and twice to the Raiders. In the Divisional Playoff the Chiefs knocked off the previous year Super Bowl winner the NY Jets at Shea 13-6, next they played Oakland. Kansas City was looking to stop the Raiders winning streak which was at four, which they did winning the Conference Championship once again on the road with a 23-7 thrashing. During the playoff and the Super Bowl the Chiefs held their opponents in each game below 90 yards, held the opposition to below 180 yards passing, while racking up 4,4,5 turnovers, holding the foes to 7 or less points.

During the 69 season the Chiefs lead the AFL in turnovers (49), Interceptions (31), fumble recoveries 18, they tied with the Buffalo Bills for the top spot. KC was second well in points allowed (254) trailing the Oilers (199), Raiders tied KC with 254, touchdown allowed thorugh the air they allowed 13 while Houston only allowed 10 passes to reach the end zone. The defense ranked third in rushing yards (1408) trailing the Raiders 1129 and Boston

Earning All Pro first team honors for the 69 season were: Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Johnny Robinson. Jerry Mays and Dick Lynch earned second team All Pro placement.